Last week, Hudsonville came just a yard away from defeating Saline in their season opener. On Friday night, they fell a two-point try short of pulling even with the Eaglets, falling 17-15 to Orchard Lake St. Mary’s.

After a scoreless first quarter, OLSM got on the board on the first play of the second frame. Jordan Cannon powered across the goal line from two yards out, and Ryan Kirk converted the PAT.  Hudsonville attempted some trickery with a fake punt on the ensuing possession, but the Eaglets’ defense was ready. This stop led to OLSM’s second touchdown, a 2-yard run by Aiden Boyle on fourth-and-goal. Kirk’s second PAT gave OLSM at 14-0 lead.

Hudsonville would finally break through before halftime, as the Eagles trimmed the lead in half. Trey Carr kept the football and ran wide to the left for six, and Emmanuel Dieppa booted the extra point. This trimmed the deficit for Hudsonville, as they trailed 14-7 at halftime.

Neither team scored on their opening possessions of the second half, with Hudsonville turning it over deep in the OLSM end. As a result of field position, Hudsonville’s Josh Petkus was able to sack OLSM in the end zone for a two-point safety. This made the count 14-9 OLSM. Hudsonville would reach the ten yard line, but the OLSM defense formed a wall and kept them out of the end zone.

Hudsonville began the fourth quarter with the football in plus territory, but Anthoni Kiafoulis forced a fumble that OLSM recovered. Ultimately, the team would sustain a lengthy drive that took seven minutes off the clock and resulted in a Ryan Kirk 23-yard field goal.

The Eagles put together one last charge, and Hudsonville got into the end zone. Trey Carr used his legs for a 10-yard quarterback keeper, but trailing 17-15, the Eagles needed a two-point conversion. Owen Teichner shot through the line on the conversion attempt, blowing it up and keeping OLSM in front by two. The Eaglets then ran out the clock.

Next week, Hudsonville starts OK Red play against West Ottawa. OLSM renews their series with Harper Woods next Friday night.